Why all this X1 negativity?

[french]

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Dear X1 users,

I'm still a d-lux 4 user and lover.

Flexibility, size and iQ are good to me.

Does my pictures get really better with an X1?

After reading and see a lot...(thank you all for this) i believe they can..including the restrictions...which every tool has..."will i still love her tomorrow"

So buy now or wait and see how Leica responds...?

 

 

french

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[Nicoleica]

So buy now or wait and see how Leica responds...?

 

I have heard that Leica have been listening to complaints about the lack of speed of the X1. After some advice from Bell in the U.S., they are planning to introduce a new faster model which will be called the X-1.

[BB W]

I'm brand new to the X1, coming from film way back when with my trusty OM-1 and have been using Olympus PEN cameras for the past 6 months or so... On another website called Serious Compacts, I came across some discussion about the Leica X1 and started asking questions, had the opportunity, thanks to a photographer who goes by soundimageplus, to really look at and work with some downloadable X1 RAW samples and became intrigued by the image quality available with the X1. The rest is becoming history...

 

I have a lot to learn about the different way of using this camera, because I am used to the EVF on the PEN...but, I don't know...call it magic, if you will, there was something about the X1's images that caught me up. Right now I'm in the early infatuation stages, but I'm looking forward to true love.

[prk60091]

Dear X1 users,

I'm still a d-lux 4 user and lover.

Flexibility, size and iQ are good to me.

Does my pictures get really better with an X1?

After reading and see a lot...(thank you all for this) i believe they can..including the restrictions...which every tool has..."will i still love her tomorrow"

So buy now or wait and see how Leica responds...?

 

 

french

 

i have a dlux4- which is probably going on ebay before the end of the week

 

in my opinion it isnt even a close race (between the dl4 and the x1)....i am head over heels overjoyed with the IQ of x1...

 

you can wait forever until the next big thing or enjoy the photos now....

 

for me the slow AF isnt much of a problem... i am getting pretty good with the manual focus.....

 

i dont think leica's gonna respond other than updating the firmware... i dont see an x2 or x1 zoom anytime soon

[fotografr]

In terms of negativity, this is nothing compared to the rumble that followed the release of the M8--a camera I still own and still love.

[jsrockit]

In terms of negativity, this is nothing compared to the rumble that followed the release of the M8--a camera I still own and still love.

 

True, but I find it funny how many fans both of these cameras now have... even some of their worst critics have been converted.

[Overgaard]

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I know of 10+ persons who own and use the X1 and they are all very happy about it, except one who has his for sale so he can buy an M9 instead.

 

It's a positive surprise, and I'm doing my utmost not to get one myself.

[JanCderidder]

I know of 10+ persons who own and use the X1 and they are all very happy about it, except one who has his for sale so he can buy an M9 instead.

 

It's a positive surprise, and I'm doing my utmost not to get one myself.

 

 

If you're a 35mm guy and have the $ to purchase one you must!

 

.... for all obvious reasons

[h00ligan]

I know of 10+ persons who own and use the X1 and they are all very happy about it, except one who has his for sale so he can buy an M9 instead.

 

It's a positive surprise, and I'm doing my utmost not to get one myself.

 

Of all people you should certainly have one!

[jlroyer]

I am 75 years old and carrying less weight is important to me. I have been using Leica cameras for several years now and have an M6 and an M8.2, with three lenses.I now own the little X1 camera and love it. I

 

I knew when I bought the camera that I wanted the detachable viewfinder and just as soon as one was available, I bought the external Leica viewfinder. I'm very happy with my purchase and did ponder the pro and cons of buying the camera. I have never found any camera that I just didn't like, but do enjoy using my Leica camera, especially the X1. Just my two cents worth.

 

Jim

[cboudier]

I know of 10+ persons who own and use the X1 and they are all very happy about it, except one who has his for sale so he can buy an M9 instead.

 

It's a positive surprise, and I'm doing my utmost not to get one myself.

 

Hi Thorsten,

 

How you compare it to your D2s ?

I'm really curious about this because the "relationship" with my LC1 was hate/love

Hate for slowness and IQ by low light.

Love for live histogram, ergonomics and complete silence of operation.

 

I guess that it could be the same relationship with the X1 :

Hate for slowness and ergonomics (mainly no EVF on the left side for me )

Love for live histogram, IQ and complete silence of operation...

[fotografr]

I am 75 years old and carrying less weight is important to me. I have been using Leica cameras for several years now and have an M6 and an M8.2, with three lenses.I now own the little X1 camera and love it.

Jim

 

You're right--the M6, M8.2 and three lenses are far too heavy for a 75 year old guy to carry around. I'm only 65 so I think you should send them all to me.

[Indina]

Well, I must admit, that the superb IQ of the diva has still to show up with me and my X1.

Having used a Pen for 2 years (excellent IQ, esp. when used with zuiko pro lenses or the pancake), the D-Lux 4 (excellent IQ and I love the 1 cm macro!), both Sigma DPs (divas as well, but with superb IQ) and my Olympus e3, I purchased a second hand X1 a few days ago, and am not anyhow thrilled - yet.

 

I find it difficult to get results in good focus, find the IQ of the D-Lux 4 shots at night much better, and find it a bit sad, that the X1 demands a lot of editing on my pc.

I dislike the plastic-feeling of the frame, I'd have prefered a full metal jacket to ensure stability and durabilty. Manual focus is a matter of luck, and I feel I'm limited when it comes to the choice of motives.

I like the camera's discrete appearance and its relatively small size.

 

I looked at a tons of X1 images here and elsewhere, and was rarely thrilled of what I saw...

 

BUT there are a few photographers who have done great shots with their red-dot diva. I.e. Peter Lück:

Leica X1

That's the reason why I decided to give it a try as well. Despite its broadly discussed negative sides.

 

So I will practice patience - and practice more with this lady. And since I sold my D-Lux 4 to get the X1, I will look for a second hand Pana-clone to accompany the X1.

 

Cin Cin,

and greetings from Hamburg

 

Indina

 

Sample X1, quite ok but I had to trash 5 for it:

http://view.stern.de/de/original/Rosen-Rosenstrauss-Novemberlicht-Still-%26-Objektfotografie-1895055.html?u=801

 

Sample of a D-Lux 4 @ night:

http://view.stern.de/de/original/Caf%E9-Singular-Schwarz-Streetlife-%26-Situation-1835165.html?

 

(I hope the links work for you)

[h00ligan]

I definitely sympathize with wht you're saying but I can't see how it's possible for the x1 to do worse in low light than the dl4. Are you shooting raw or jpg and what are the issues with iq at night you face?

[Indina]

Edward, I decided for the X1 to shoot everything in RAW after what I read.

The D-Lux 4 allows to use 'only' JPG as well (imo).

 

My first night-tests in the city-lights with the X1 gave me 'wrong' colours, and no photo was nice enough to keep.

I allow it to go up to 3.200, but no single shot was sharp. (Auto ISO, auto white balance, shutter priority set to 1/30 and 1/15, no tripod). Also tried full auto settings. Compared to the D-Lux 4 quite a lame result. Not even worth to do the enhancing + polish round in Aperture.

 

I'm afraid, I miss the image stab.

 

I probably haven't yet got the right feeling to handle the X1 lady to her and my satisfaction - so I will keep practicing. I just expected more IQ during first sessions, that is.

 

Another example:

Bild - Tibetan Tools | VIEW Fotocommunity

 

Here I had to do a lot in post editing since the brilliance was missing, and nothing was precisely in focus (sharp).

So I sharpened what I felt needs to be sharp.

On the same location I took photos where the X1 'lied' to me. I'd choosen 1 point focus, it gave green light, but the object was out of focus. Gulp...

Another evening, indoor, people. Auto settings or shutter prio at 1/60.

80% went into the digital trashbin. Faces blurred, colouring ugly. As if I used a 150.- cam.

 

Greetings, Indina

[phancj]

Edward, I decided for the X1 to shoot everything in RAW after what I read.

The D-Lux 4 allows to use 'only' JPG as well (imo).

 

My first night-tests in the city-lights with the X1 gave me 'wrong' colours, and no photo was nice enough to keep.

I allow it to go up to 3.200, but no single shot was sharp. (Auto ISO, auto white balance, shutter priority set to 1/30 and 1/15, no tripod). Also tried full auto settings. Compared to the D-Lux 4 quite a lame result. Not even worth to do the enhancing + polish round in Aperture.

 

I'm afraid, I miss the image stab.

 

I probably haven't yet got the right feeling to handle the X1 lady to her and my satisfaction - so I will keep practicing. I just expected more IQ during first sessions, that is.

 

Another example:

Bild - Tibetan Tools | VIEW Fotocommunity

 

Here I had to do a lot in post editing since the brilliance was missing, and nothing was precisely in focus (sharp).

So I sharpened what I felt needs to be sharp.

On the same location I took photos where the X1 'lied' to me. I'd choosen 1 point focus, it gave green light, but the object was out of focus. Gulp...

Another evening, indoor, people. Auto settings or shutter prio at 1/60.

80% went into the digital trashbin. Faces blurred, colouring ugly. As if I used a 150.- cam.

 

Greetings, Indina

 

Indina,

 

I dont know about the rest of the people here, maybe all with iron grips and statue-like firmness, I cannot shoot with shutter speed of more than 1/60 to get almost 100% in-focus shots.

 

What I do at night is not even to bump up iso beyond 800, the max I accept is 1600 (barely and really not unless absolutely necessary). I've had no problems with very low light at all, one of X1's core strength is low light photos. Shutter speed mostly 1/60. Aperture wide open.

 

X1 metering is spot on almost always, I am not sure what settings you put yours on.

 

Here's one low light shot.

 

ANd yes, if after all you've tried and still find the X1 unusable, I'll be most happy to relieve you of it , dont mind a spare at 150.

 

CJ

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[h00ligan]

Agreed. The x1 is a bear to handholds for share shots 1/60 is about right.

[h00ligan]

Err iPad typo. Some shots.

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[phancj]

Edward,

 

For most cameras without the activation of VR or IS which negates movement to be 99% sure there is no handshake I need a minimum of shutter speed 1/60s. In fact for my Nikkor 85mm I need 1/125 to be absolutely sure. of course i am sure many have steadier hands but I like to know for certain I get the shots perfect without shake.

 

So the problem is not with X1, its all cameras without VR/IS. Of course, I have also gotten perfectly sharp shots at 1/30, but I try not to push my luck with shots that matter.

[h00ligan]

Cj,

 

I handheld sharp shots at 1/15 today (iirc) with the m9, maybe I need to switch to the vf so I have better stability. The good old string tripod helps too.

 

I'll check those m9 shots tomorrow.